Jumping Lily Pads
Parent and child pretend to be frogs jumping between hula hoops (lily pads), focusing on bilateral jumping coordination, forward propulsion, and landing control. The agent coaches the parent to observe jumping form, balance, and playful engagement — building gross motor skills and coordination through imaginative play.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Three hula hoops (or marked circles) placed on floor with moderate spacing (about 12-18 inches apart). Non-slip surface like carpet or mat. Clear space around for safe jumping. Parent and child standing together.
How it works
- 1~30s
Let's start by getting into our first lily pad! Stand with your child inside one hula hoop. Hold their hand for support and say 'Ready, frog? Let's jump!' Model jumping up and down together three times, starting and landing on both feet at the same time. Watch your child's feet closely — does they coordinate both feet to leave the ground together? Tell me what you notice about their jumping form.
Watch for: Child jumps in place using both feet simultaneously — leaving ground and landing together.
- 2~35s
Now for the big leap! Still holding your child's hand, point to the next lily pad and say 'Let's jump to our new home!' Jump together from your current hula hoop to the next one. Focus on forward movement — watch how your child propels {himself_herself} forward. Does they use their arms to help? Does they land with balance or stumble? Tell me about their forward jumping ability.
Watch for: Child jumps forward from standing position, covering noticeable distance with controlled landing.
- 3~40s
Time to claim our new home! Once you've both landed in the new lily pad, say 'Now we have to jump three times to make it ours!' Do three more jumps in place together. Watch your child's landing control — does they absorb the impact with bent knees? Can they maintain balance through multiple jumps? Also notice if they shows any early signs of hopping (one foot leading). Tell me about their landing and sequence control.
Watch for: Child shows emerging hopping ability — may lead with one foot or attempt unilateral movement during jumping sequence.